A PLEA by municipal market vendors for a reduction in stall fees because of the effects of Severe Tropical Cyclone Winston on crop production and supply is being considered by the Government.

When contacted last Thursday about the issue, Local Government Minister Parveen Kumar confirmed he had received numerous requests from market vendors for stall fees to be reduced.

Mr Kumar said he would take up the issue with Government and a decision would be made after consultations with Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama.

Kaliappa Naidu, a vendor in Lautoka for 30 years, said produce and root crop traders were faced with numerous issues.

“Vendors are going through difficult times,” he said.

“We are being faced with two issues — firstly, we have to pay stall fees even though our income has dropped and secondly, we are forced to pay increasing costs of vegetables and root crops because of a shortage in supply.”

Sigatoka Market Vendors Association president Deo Chand said he hoped their requests would be heard by the authorities.

“We are very hopeful that something positive will come out of our plea to the Government,” he said.